HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Blaine County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Blaine County, MT. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 0.6% effective rate, varies significantly by taxing district and location within county
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Blaine County, Montana operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, with assessments conducted by the Blaine County Assessor's Office. The projected property tax rate for Blaine County in 2025 is approximately 0.6%, though this represents an effective rate that can vary significantly based on your property's location within the county.

Actual tax rates vary considerably across Blaine County due to the presence of different special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and other local improvement districts. Properties in incorporated areas may have additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may be subject to different combinations of special district assessments. The county uses Montana's standard assessment practices, with residential properties assessed at market value and certain agricultural lands receiving preferential assessment treatment.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
State EducationVariesState-mandated education levy
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesRoads, water, sewer, other local improvements
Total Effective Rate~0.6%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: Exact rates vary by special taxing districts within your property's location. The 0.6% rate reflects legislative changes from SB 542 and HB 231. Contact the Blaine County Assessor at 406-357-3240 for your specific district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Blaine County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Blaine County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that weren't included in the original annual assessment. These typically occur when properties change hands or when new structures are completed mid-tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in March that wasn't on the original tax roll, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the increased assessed value from March through the end of the tax year. The Blaine County Treasurer's Office at 406-357-3280 handles supplemental tax billing and can explain specific circumstances that trigger these additional assessments.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (0.6% rate): $1,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $150

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$600,000
  • Annual Tax (0.6% rate): $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if applied): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (0.6% rate): $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements. Actual rates vary by special district location within Blaine County.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Blaine County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount allowed by federal law. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to the Blaine County Treasurer when they become due on November 30th and May 31st for real estate.

You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Property owners can verify their tax payments and balances through Blaine County's WebTax system or by contacting the Treasurer's Office at 406-357-3280.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Blaine County for FY 2025-2026? A: Real estate taxes are due November 30th (first half) and May 31st (second half). Personal property taxes are due June 30th. Mobile home taxes follow the same schedule as real estate.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Montana offers a Homestead Credit that requires application with the county assessor. This credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Additional credits may be available for veterans, elderly, or disabled property owners - all require separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits how much your primary residence's assessed value can increase each year, typically capping annual growth. You must file an application with the Blaine County Assessor's Office - it is not automatic and must be renewed periodically.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Montana law requires properties to be appraised at market value annually, with the assessment notice typically mailed in late spring. You have 30 days from the notice date to appeal your assessment to the county tax appeal board.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments accrue interest at 5/6 of 1% per month (interest compounds daily). Blaine County sends courtesy delinquent notices after the first half becomes overdue.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, Blaine County offers online payment through WebPay at the county website. You can also review tax information through the WebTax system or contact the Treasurer's Office at 406-357-3280.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Blaine County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special districts (school, fire, road, etc.). Your total tax rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I find my specific tax district combination? A: Contact the Blaine County Assessor's Office at 406-357-3240 or use the county's WebTax system to look up your property's specific district assignments and applicable rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
delinquent taxes, tax liens, assignments & tax deedsblainecounty-mt.gov
02
County
Annual Property Tax Changes by Countyrevenuefiles.mt.gov
03
Tax Doc
Impact of SB 542/HB 231 on Property Taxesarchive.legmt.gov
04
County
How Do I? For Help Navigating the Blaine County Websiteblainecounty-mt.gov
05
County
Blaine County Treasurerblainecounty-mt.gov
06
Alternative Payment Schedule Contract for Primary Residenceblainecounty-mt.gov
07
County
Homeowner's Exemption Application | Blaine County, IDco.blaine.id.us
08
HB 390 Homestead Exemptionarchive.legmt.gov
09
Montanairs.gov
10
County
Supplemental & Revised Real Estate Tax Bills - Blaine Countyblainecounty-mt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate